HISTORICAL  ADDRESS 


DELIVERED    IN 


i      MONTICELLO,  ILLINOIS,   JUNE   27,  1855, 


AT    THE 


SEVENTEENTH  ANNIVERSARY 


OE 


Utoittinilo  # ^ntaU  ^iminarg 


BY 


KEY.  THERON  BALDWIN, 


FIB8T     P  R  I  >"  C  I  I"  A   7.     OP     THE     I  X  S  T  I  T  U  1   1  (..  s  . 


I 


1 


\S 


HISTORICAL  ADDRESS 


DELIVERED    IN 


MONTICELLO,  ILLINOIS,  JUNE  27,  1855. 


AT    THE 


SEVENTEENTH  ANNIVERSARY 


OF 


0ittinllcr  J^md*  JSnuttarjr* 


BY 

REV.  THERON  BALDWIN, 

PIE8T    FBISOIFAL     OF    THE     INSTITUTION. 


*•»■ 


NEW  YORK : 
JOHN  F.  TROW,  PRINTER,  377  &  379  BROADWAY, 

(CORNEB  OF  WHITE  STREET.) 


Monticello,  June  27,  1855. 
Rev.  THERON  BALDWIN,— 
Dear  Sir, 

The  undersigned,  Trustees  of  Monticello  Female  Seminary, 
and  others  interested  in  that  Institution,  listened  with  much  pleasure  to  your 

Anniversary  Address,  this  day  delivered. 

They  deem  it  of  great  importance  that  the  facts  and  statements  which  it 
contains  should  be  laid  before  the  public,  through  the  medium  of  the  press. 

They  therefore   respectfully   and   urgently   request   of   you   a   copy   for 
publication. 

T.  M.  POST. 
A.  T.  NORTON. 

A.  W.  COREY. 
TIMOTHY  TURNER. 

B.  I.  GILMAN. 


Note. — The  author  prefaced  his  address  with  some  remarks  expressive  of 
his  deep  sense  of  the  difficulty  and  delicacy  of  his  task,  on  the  ground  that  it 
is  no  easy  matter,  in  any  event,  to  arrange  historic  details  in  due  order  and 
proportion,  and  especially  so  when  the  agency  of  the  individual  has  been  inti- 
mately connected  with  the  events  which  he  narrates. 


s~^i 


ADDRESS. 


Weke  a  traveller,  who  had  never  heard  of  the  Father  of 
Waters,  suddenly  to  emerge  from  the  wilderness,  and 
strike  upon  its  banks,  he  could  no  sooner  look  upon  its 
broad  and  majestic  current  than  he  would  feel  an  irrepres- 
sible desire  to  ascend  and  trace  out  the  far  off  sources 
of  such  a  flood.  The  river,  as  he  sees  it,  is  one  and  un- 
divided, but  if  he  were  to  make  the  ascent,  he  would  pass 
numerous  tributaries  descending  from  forest,  and  prairie, 
and  mountain  range,  each  pouring  in  its  contribution  to 
swell  the  giant  stream.  Were  he  to  follow  each  tributary 
in  succession  to  the  very  last  through  all  its  ramifications, 
he  would  discover  that  the  majestic  flood  upon  which  he 
first  cast  his  eye  was  the  product  of  insignificant  streams, 
starting  from  sources  innumerable  and  wide  asunder. 
And  beyond  each  one  of  these  sources,  he  might  go  to  the 
rain  drops,  and  even  to  the  diffused  and  floating  mists 
from  which  they  were  formed. 

But  he  would  not  be  satisfied  till  he  had  made  also  the 
Ascent,  and  traced  the  moving  flood  through  all  its  wind- 
ing course,  till  lost  in  the  ocean.  This  process  was  long 
since  completed  in  respect  to  the  majestic  river,  whose 


LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 
V  URBANA-CHAMPWGN 


channel  runs  through  this  neighborhood,  and  which  has 
flowed  there  since  the  continent  had  a  being.  It  is  an  ob- 
ject, too,  of  surpassing  interest,  whether  we  consider  it  in 
the  variety  and  wide  dispersion  of  its  sources — the  immense 
territory  which  it  drains — the  magnitude  of  its  flood — its 
benefits  to  commerce — or  its  great  agency  in  developing 
the  resources  of  perhaps  the  richest  section  of  the  globe. 

All  this,  however,  sinks  into  insignificance  when  com- 
pared with  some  great  stream  of  intellectual  and  moral 
influence,  starting,  it  may  be,  from  an  obscure  fountain- 
head,  feeble  in  its  beginnings,  but  receiving  successive  ad- 
ditions, and  flowing  on  from  age  to  age,  and  carrying  a 
fertilizing  and  saving  power  over  human  society.  By  the 
fountain  head  of  such  a  stream  it  is  our  privilege  to  stand 
to-day — a  fountain  opened  literally  in  the  wilderness  but 
so  recently  that  its  outflowings  have  as  yet  scarce  crossed 
the  half  of  a  single  age.  Its  swelling  current,  however, 
gives  cheering  promise  of  a  noble  future.  On  this  occa- 
sion, therefore,  I  could  hardly  select  any  other  theme  than 
the  Past,  the  Present,  and  the  Future  of  Monticello  Fe- 
male Seminary. 

In  considering  the  Past,  it  will  be  essential  that  we  bring 
into  view  the  providences,  the  influences,  and  the  agencies 
which  were  concerned  in  giving  existence  to  the  Institu- 
tion, and  also  the  results  thus  far  accomplished.  And  this 
course  would  seem  to  require  at  the  outset  specific  allusion 
at  least  to  the  Founder,  the  first  Principal,  and  the  first 
Teachers,  so  far  as  may  be  necessary  to  reveal  the  succes- 
sive steps  through  which  their  peculiar  relations  to  the  In- 
stitution were  created. 

"We  can  now  see  that  there  were  remarkable  provi- 
dences iind  influences,  starting  from  various  points  very 
wide  asunder — preparations  in  process,  and  maturing 
through  a  long  course  of  years,  and  agencies  entirely  in- 
dependent of  each  other  at  work,  but  guided  by  an  unseen 
hand,   till  providences,   influences,   and    agencies    were 


brought  into  visible  connection,  and  as  the  combined  re- 
sult, yonder  noble  structure  arose,  and  the  work  of  instruc- 
tion began.  It  is  well  to  make  these  records,  that  when 
our  children,  and  those  who  come  after  us,  inquire, 
"  What  mean  ye  by  these  stones  ?  " — they  may  understand 
from  the  bed  of  what  Jordan  they  were  taken — by  what 
hands  and  means  they  were  piled  up — of  the  crossing  of 
what  seas  and  deserts  and  rivers  they  are  the  memorial — 
and  how  they  illustrate  the  interposition,  the  guidance, 
and  the  benign  influence  of  an  ever  present  Providence. 


THE   FOUNDER. 

So  far  as  the  founder  is  concerned,  were  it  proper  on 
this  occasion,  we  might  follow  him  through  all  the  fluctua- 
tions of  that  preparatory  course  which  finally  led  to  this 
noble  conception — from  his  birthplace  on  the  Atlantic 
coast,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cape  Cod,  through  a  life  of  some 
twenty  years  upon  the  sea — to  the  final  shipwreck  in  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico — the  weeping  on  the  beach  amidst  the 
wreck  of  worldly  hopes — the  subsequent  accumulation  by 
well  directed  enterprise,  of  means  sufficient  to  repair  loss- 
es, and  do  noble  things  in  the  field  of  benevolence,  when 
the  heart  and  the  great  aim  of  life  should  be  right.  More 
than  all  might  we  trace  the  singular  providence  that 
brought  these  right,  by  placing  under  his  eye,  in  the  writ- 
ings of  Swedenborg,  at  midnight,  while  tossing  on  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  the  words  of  the  Saviour : — "  What  shall  it  profit 
a  man  if  he  shall  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own 
soul  ?  "  Also,  the  application  of  that  inquiry  by  the  Spirit 
of  God  to  the  heart — the  subsequent  purchase  of  a  copy 
of  the  Word  of  God,  and  its  perusal  till  peace  was  found 
in  believing,  and  the  claims  of  God  so  felt,  that  for  the 
first  time  in  existence  the  earnest  inquiry  arose  : — "  Lord, 
what  wilt  Thou  have  me  to  do  ? " 


This  petition  was  soon  answered,  as  will  appear  by  the 
following  letter,  written  in  reply  to  inquiries  made  by  my- 
self, and  bearing  date  Feb.  10th,  1842.  It  shows  the  ori- 
gin of  the  Institution  in  his  mind : 


o 


"  One  morning,  while  lying  in  my  bed  somewhat  indisposed,  my 
wife  came  into  the  room,  and  as  she  went  out  made  some  remark. 
One  of  our  little  children,  that  had  just  begun  to  lisp  a  few  words, 
caught  the  remark,  and  while  playing  by  itself  on  the  floor,  repeated 
it  over  and  over  for  some  time.  This  led  me  to  reflect  on  the  power- 
ful effect  of  a  mother's  example  on  the  minds,  manners,  and  habits  of 
their  offspring,  and  the  no  less  powerful  influence  that  females  have 
over  society  at  large.  The  mind  is  formed  to  a  great  extent  in  child- 
hood, and  while  under  the  direct  care  of  the  mother.  From  the  time 
it  can  lisp,  and  even  before,  it  goes  to  her  with  all  its  little  troubles 
and  difficulties,  its  pleasures  and  pains,  and  her  kind  participation  in 
all  its  concerns  endears  it  so  closely,  and  gives  it  such  implicit  confi- 
dence in  her,  that  it  takes  for  granted  any  thing  she  does  or  says  is 
right,  and  is  actuated  accordingly. 

"  In  regard  to  the  effect  of  female  example  over  society  I  need  not 
make  any  remarks.  It  is  a  fact  long  since  acceded  to  them,  that  to  a 
very  great  and  important  extent,  they  govern  and  control  it.  Hence, 
the  great  necessity  of  their  being  qualified  for  these  important  and  re- 
sponsible situations  in  this  life  which  God,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  has 
assigned  to  them. 

"  With  these  reflections,  the  idea  came  into  my  mind  to  erect  a 
Seminary,  in  which  females  could,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  be  pre- 
pared to  discharge  their  numerous,  arduous  and  responsible  duties. 
After  consulting  my  wife  as  to  the  propriety  of  such  a  step,  to  which 
she  acceded  unhesitatingly,  and  being  desirous  to  act  the  part  of  a 
faithful  steward  of  what  God  had  placed  in  my  possession,  I  resolved 
to  devote  so  much  of  it  as  would  erect  a  building,  to  be  devoted  to 
the  moral,  intellectual,  and  domestic  improvement  of  females,  particu- 
larly those  whose  means  were  limited. 

"Benjamin  Godfrey." 

Thus,  an  apparently  trivial  circumstance  started  a  train 
of  thought  which  led  on  to  a  conception  and  a  purpose, 
the  results  of  which  are  before  us  to-day.  And  this  train 
of  thought  did  not  stop  with  earthly  relations  and  respon- 


sibilities.  That  little  one,  whose  lispings  became  the  oc- 
casion of  so  much  good,  was  then  viewed  as  having  a  sonl 
that  would  never  die — and  that  soul  was  traced  into  eter- 
nity, and  the  importance  of  maternal  training  estimated 
by  its  bearing  upon  all  the  interests  of  futurity.  Exten- 
sive travel  and  observation  had  revealed  the  power  of  fe- 
male influence  over  society  at  large,  and  experience  in 
Mexico  had  created  a  sort  of  horror  of  the  Catholic  system 
as  it  stood  related  to  this  influence.  We  have  thus  traced 
one  branch  of  the  providences,  influences,  and  agencies 
concerned  in  giving  existence  to  the  Institution. 

"  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
His  wonders  to  perform." 


THE   FIRST    PRINCIPAL. 

"We  may  now  turn  back  and  look  in  another  direction. 
Early  in  the  year  1829,  an  association  of  seven  young  men 
was  organized  at  Yale  College  for  the  purpose  of  coming 
to  this  State  and  commencing  a  system  of  operations, 
educational  and  religious.  The  enterprise  was  to  be 
conducted  on  the  great  principle  that  education  and  reli- 
gion must  go  hand  in  hand  to  the  world's  conversion. 
The  speaker  was  one  of  this  association,  and,  in  company 
with  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Sturtevant,  now  President  of  Illinois 
College,  arrived  in  this  State  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 
The  object  of  the  association  was  to  plant  churches,  form 
Sabbath  schools,  found  a  college,  establish  academies,  male 
and  female,  and  encourage  common  schools,  in  short,  pro- 
mote Christian  education  in  all  its  departments. 

Elinois  College  is  one  of  the  fruits  of  this  enterprise. 

But,  in  order  to  the  full  development  of  the  scheme  it 
became  necessary,  in  the  prdgress  of  events,  that  some  one 
should  take  the  field,  organize  churches,  locate  missiona- 
ries, lecture  on  education,  visit  at  an  early  day  all  the  ris- 


8 

ing  points  of  influence,  and  secure,  as  far  as  practicable, 
organizations,  educational  and  religious,  which  should 
exert  everywhere  an  elevating,  moulding,  and  saving 
power  in  the  very  infancy  of  society. 

Between  four  and  five  years  were  devoted  to  this  work 
by  the  speaker,  chiefly  under  commission  from  the  Ameri- 
can Home  Missionary  Society.  While  prosecuting  a  mis- 
sionary tour  in  Southern  Illinois,  the  night  of  the  17th  of 
Dec,  1834,  was  spent  at  the  house  of  the  founder.  He 
then  stated  that  he  had  come  to  the  conclusion  to  expend 
some  $10,000  in  the  erection  of  a  Female  Academy,  and 
desired  me  to  take  the  superintendence  of  the  Institution, 
and  devote  myself  permanently  to  its  interests. 

This  proposal  was  at  once  rejected,  on  the  ground  that 
it  would  cause  an  abandonment  of  the  field  of  usefulness 
then  occupied,  and  the  choice  of  one  to  me  untried,  and 
for  that  reason,  more  than  on  account  of  the  nature  of  the 
field,  less  promising  in  respect  to  good  results.  The  solici- 
tation, however,  was  earnest,  and  through  fear  of  discour- 
aging, at  the  outset,  so  noble  a  movement,  the  proposal 
was  taken  under  advisement. 

During  the  following  spring  the  late  Rev.  Thomas  II. 
Gallaudet  was  sent  on  an  exploring  tour  through  the  West 
by  an  association  of  Christian  men  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  best  method  of  promoting 
Protestant  evangelical  education  in  the  new  States.  At  an 
interview  held  with  him  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis,  he  de- 
sired me  to  engage  in  the  service  of  the  association,  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  out  their  designs.  In  view  of  these 
varied  movements,  the  following  remarks  were  penned  at 
the  time  :  "  The  elements  are  in  motion  in  every  direction 
with  reference  to  Protestant  evangelical  education  in  the 
West.  Individuals  in  different  directions,  and  widely  se- 
parated, without  any  interchange  of  views  and  feelings, 
appear  to  be  moved  as  by  a  common  impulse,  and  the 
similarity  of  views  and  feelings  evidently  indicates  a  com- 


9 

inon  origin,  and  that,  I  must  believe,  is  the  Spirit  of  God. 
I  trust  the  day  is  not  distant  when  these  various  elements 
will  be  combined  into  one  harmonious  and  powerful  sys- 
tem that  shall  pour  intellectual  light,  and  moral  and  reli- 
gious influence,  over  the  whole  "West." 

Every  year  of  missionary  effort  on  that  field  only  tend- 
ed to  deepen  the  conviction  of  the  importance  of  perma- 
nent and  concentrated  labor  as  compared  with  that  which 
was  desultory  and  superficial. 

In  the  month  of  June,  of  the  same  year,  interviews 
were  had  with  the  association  above  named,  at  Hartford, 
Conn.,  and  on  the  4th  of  July  a  conference  was  held  by 
sundry  gentlemen  in  the  city  of  New  York,  at  which 
were  present,  Rev.  A.  Peters,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  A. 
H.  M.  S. ;  Rev.  E.  Beecher,  D.  D.,  then  President  of  Illi- 
nois College  ;  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn,  D.  D. ;  John  Till- 
son,  Esq.,  of  Illinois,  and  the  founder  of  the  Seminary. 
The  question  to  be  decided  was  one  of  duty  to  myself,  in 
view  of  the  claim  of  the  Home  Missionary  service — Pro- 
testant evangelical  education,  as  proposed  to  be  conducted 
by  the  association  and  the  contemplated  Female  Seminary. 
A  remark  was  there  made  by  the  founder  which  left  an 
indelible  impression  on  my  mind,  and  was  something  like 
this : — ■"  Gentlemen  may  smile,  but  I  consider  it  of  as 
much  importance  that  the  Institution  shall  come  into  ex- 
istence and  do  the  work  which  I  have  in  view,  as  that 
every  soul  now  living  in  the  State  of  Illinois  should  be 
converted." 

The  consultation  resulted  in  the  formation  of  a  plan  for 
promoting  temporarily  the  interests  of  Home  Missions  and 
Protestant  evangelical  education  in  common.  In  the 
mean  time,  the  founder  made  the  acceptance  of  his  pro- 
posal on  the  part  of  the  speaker,  the  indispensable  condi- 
tion of  erecting  the  contemplated  edifice.  The  work  to  be 
done  was  to  fix  on  a  location,  determine  the  plan  of  the 
building,  arrange  the  details  of  the  system  upon  which  the 


10 

Seminary  should  be  conducted,  secure  a  corps  of  teachers, 
and  do  whatever  was  necessary  to  bring  the  Institution 
into  full  operation.  At  an  interview  with  the  founder, 
held  at  his  own  house  in  January  following  (1836),  so 
decided  an  answer  was  given  that  he  determined  to  go 
forward  and  build.  Still,  as  the  entire  abandonment  of 
the  broad  field  of  missionary  labor  then  occupied  could 
not  be  reconciled  with  a  sense  of  duty,  express  reservations 
were  made,  at  the  time,  in  respect  to  confinement  at  the 
Institution  by  teaching — the  department  chosen  being  that 
of  preaching,  lecturing  on  moral  subjects,  and  exercising 
a  general  superintendence.  The  following  record  at  this 
time  was  made — "  If  the  Institution  does  not  succeed  as  a 
common  Female  Seminary,  it  will  probably  become  a  Fe- 
male Orphan  Asylum." 

This  language  may  sound  strangely  now,  but  it  was 
used  nearly  twenty  years  since,  wThen  the  spot  wdiere  the 
Seminary  building  stands  was  literally  in  the  wilderness, 
and  when  nothing  like  what  was  projected  had  been  done 
west  of  the  Alle^hanies.  Even  after  the  erection  of  the 
building  it  was  predicted  by  one  of  the  most  eminent  pub- 
lic men  of  the  State,  that  "within  ten  years  it  would 
become  the  founder's  barn."  As  nearly  twice  ten  years 
have  already  elapsed,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  he 
did  not  prove  to  be  a  true  prophet. 

The  prediction  was  based  upon  a  false  philosophy  in 
respect  to  such  Institutions.  The  philosophy  was,  that 
unless  planted  in  a  city  or  village,  if  there  should  at  any 
time  happen  to  be  any  particular  untoward  occurrence  at 
the  Institution,  awakening  strong  prejudice,  and  creating 
public  distrust,  it  would  be  destitute  of  adequate  support 
at  the  critical  point,  and  an  antagonistic  public  sentiment 
would  inevitably  bear  it  down  !  If,  however,  our  Institu- 
tions of  Christian  learning  had  no  better  reliance  in  the 
hour  of  their  trial  and  peril  than  cities  or.  villages,  as  such, 
rallying  to  their  defence,  they  might  well  despair.     Their 


11 

bitterest  foes  may  dwell  at  their  very  doors,  and  stand 
ready  to  lead  on  the  ranks  of  opposition  on  every  supposed 
favorable  occasion.  And  this  is  especially  true  if  the  in- 
stitutions hold  steady  to  high  and  noble  Christian  ends. 
Others  may  profess  friendship,  and  feel  it  too,  just  so  long 
and  so  far  as  the  Institution  may  be  made  to  subserve  some 
private  end — but  no  reliance  can  be  placed  upon  them  in 
the  hour  of  its  extremity.  Others  still,  after  success  has 
been  achieved,  may  be  very  ready  to  join  in'  the  triumph 
and  share  in  the  glory,  whose  indifference  to  its  interests 
was  such,  in  the  days  of  its  infancy,  that  no  appeal  in  its 
behalf  could  stir  their  sympathies  or  call  forth  their  pit- 
tance. 

The  truth  is,  that  when  public  sentiment,  in  its  fre- 
quent vibrations,  is  adverse — the  chief  security  under  God 
for  such  institutions,  aside  from  their  immediate  conduct- 
ors, lies  in  the  friends  of  Christian  learning,  any  where  and 
every  where  within  the  sphere  of  their  influence,  and  in 
the  minds  trained  through  its  instrumentality,  and  scat- 
tered abroad  to  fill  high  posts  of  influence  in  society.  The 
capital  upon  which  they  must  rely  is  the  good  actually 
accomplished,  and  a  noble  and  consistent  character  ac- 
quired, which  has  become  public  property. 

At  the  date  last  mentioned,  (January,  1836,)  a  large 
part  of  one  day  was  occupied  by  the  founder  and  myself 
in  exploring  this  region  with  a  view  of  fixing  upon  the  lo- 
cation of  the  Seminary.  The  question  had  been  very  dis- 
tinctly considered  whether  the  Institution  had  not  better 
be  placed  somewhere  in  the  vicinity  of  Rock  River.  But 
the  conclusion  was  that  the  population  likely  to  gather 
there  would  be  of  such  a  character  as  to  insure  schools  of 
a  high  order,  so  that  in  reality  a  greater  amount  of  good 
might  be  accomplished,  at  any  rate,  a  work  done  more 
in  accordance  with  the  benevolent  intentions  of  the 
founder,  by  a  location  in  the  Southern  portion  of  the 
State.     He   accordingly  offered  to  build   at  any  point 


12 

within  six  miles  of  the  city  of  Alton,  which  might  be  se- 
lected by  myself. 

As  the  result  of  the  examination  of  this  particular  re- 
gion, the  stake  was  stuck  midway  between  the  present 
location  and  his  residence,  but  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
road,  and  at  some  distance  from  it  on  the  rising  ground. 
As  another  individual  was  the  owner  of  the  ground,  it  was 
secured  by  purchase.  A  subsequent  and  more  thorough 
examination,  however,  in  the  following  March,  convinced 
us  both  that  the  present  site  was  decidedly  superior  to  the 
one  first  selected,  and  it  was  accordingly  purchased  for 
this  object.  It  was  then  entirely  in  a  state  of  nature,  and 
covered  with  an  open  forest,  denominated  in  the  language 
of  the  country  "  barrens,"  and  the  particular  spot  chosen 
was  covered  with  the  ample  top  of  a  prostrate  oak.  As 
this  region  was  at  that  time  called  Monticello,  this  name 
was  adopted  for  the  Institution. 

This  site  was  selected  from  a  regard  to  health  and  free- 
dom from  the  bustle  and  temptations  common  to  large 
towns,  as  well  as  its  convenient  proximity  to  the  city 
and  the  river,  and  its  situation  in  reference  to  the  great 
thoroughfare  leading  into  the  interior.  Moreover,  as  the 
Institution  was  to  be  established  for  high  Christian  ends, 
the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  within  its  walls  was  regarded 
as  a  primary  necessity,  and  it  seemed  probable  that  at  this 
point  a  congregation  could  be  gathered,  composed  alike 
of  pupils  and  of  inhabitants  of  the  neighborhood. 

Time  has  abundantlv  vindicated  the  wisdom  of  the 
choice.  In  respect  to  health,  in  the  fact  that,  although 
more  than  a  thousand  pupils  have  been  connected  with  the 
Institution,  not  one  of  them  has  died  within  its  walls,  and 
in  the  known  and  remarkable  healthfulness  that  has  ever 
prevailed.  The  same  is  time  in  respect  to  all  the  subse- 
quent developments  of  the  country,  routes  of  travel  and 
general  relations  to  different  sections,  and  to  population. 
So,  also,  in  respect  to  moral  and  religious  influences.     In 


13 

regard  to  the  site  itself,  I  need  say  nothing  to  those  who 
have  looked  over  the  beautiful  and  ample  grounds  around 
the  Institution. 

As  the  corner-stone  was  laid  without  any  public  cere- 
mony, the  precise  date  of  that  transaction  cannot  be  giv- 
en. No  history  of  the  Institution,  no  precious  documents, 
no  memorials  of  the  region  or  the  times  was  deposited  to 
be  dug  out  in  some  future  age.  It  was  my  privilege  on 
Sabbath  afternoon,  June  26th,  1836,  to  preach  the  first 
sermon  ever  delivered  on  that  spot,  in  a  mechanic's  shop 
erected  by  the  workmen  engaged  on  the  building,  from 
Matt.  6  :  19,  20. 

It  now  became  necessary  to  settle  the  general  system 
upon  which  the  Institution  should  be  conducted,  and  also 
the  course  of  instruction.  This  was  felt  to  be  a  matter  of 
very  great  moment,  demanding  the  most  careful  and 
thorough  investigation,  both  theoretically  and  practically. 
The  field  was  perfectly  open  for  the  adoption  of  any  sys- 
tem that  might  be  judged  best.  No  trammels  were  im- 
posed by  existing  institutions  in  the  same  general  region, 
and  which  had  fixed  the  standard  of  female  education. 
And  while  the  newness  of  the  country  created  some  spe- 
cial obstacles  to  the  successful  adoption  of  a  thorough  and 
elevated  course  of  study,  it  yet  presented  a  clear  field  for 
the  introduction  of  a  model  institution,  whose  power  should 
be  felt,  not  only  upon  the  individuals  trained  under  its 
influence,  but  in  fixing  at  an  elevated  point  the  standard  of 
female  education  in  the  very  infancy  of  this  forming  society. 

The  period  was  an  auspicious  one  in  the  history  of  fe- 
male education  in  our  country.  For  a  course .  of  years 
there  had  been  a  rising  interest  in  the  subject.  There  was 
investigation,  and  discussion,  and  experiment.  Not  only 
was  there  a  multiplication  of  female  seminaries,  but,  un- 
der more  just  views  of  the  proper  sphere  of  woman,  and  a 
deeper  sense  of  the  importance  of  preparing  her  for  that 
sphere,  there  began  to  be  an  extensive  substitution  of 


14 


useful,  substantial,  and  Christian  systems  of  female  educa- 
tion for  those  which  were  merely  or  mainly  devoted  to  the 
ornamental  and  the  frivolous.  In  all  great  providential 
movements  we  are  very  apt  to  find  that  many  minds,  wide 
it  may  be  asunder,  and  without  any  interchange  of  thought, 
are  similarly,  if  not  simultaneously,  affected,  so  that,  in 
after  years,  the  question  as  to  their  true  originators  be- 
comes a  matter  for  excited  discussion.  The  first  conception 
of  this  Institution,  and  the  purpose  to  found  it,  were  not 
the  result  of  any  intercourse  whatever  with  the  friends  of 
female  education.  As  if  communicated  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  the  idea  arose  in  a  sick  chamber,  and  as  the  result 
of  a  train  of  thought  which  was  started  by  an  event  appa- 
rently so  trivial  as  the  lisping  of  a  child ! 

Soon,  however,  it  contributed  its  share  to  the  general 
movement.  Under  a  deep  consciousness  of  the  responsi- 
bilities involved,  and  of  the  need  of  light,  the  importance 
of  a  tour  through  the  older  States,  devoted  to  the  inspec- 
tion of  female  seminaries  and  the  investigation  of  systems 
of  female  education,  was  suggested  to  the  founder.  He 
gave  his  assent,  and  generously  furnished  means  requisite 
for  its  prosecution.  That  tour  was  commenced  by  my- 
self on  the  25th  of  July,  1837. 

And  here  it  is  but  simple  justice  to  that  veteran  educa- 
tor, Miss  C.  E.  Beecher,  to  state  that  the  reading  of  a  pub- 
lished address  of  hers,  on  the  subject  of  female  education, 
had  very  much  to  do  with  the  ultimate  determination  of 
my  own  mind  to  engage  in  this  enterprise.  In  that  ad- 
dress was  earnestly  and  ably  advocated  such  an  endow- 
ment of  female  seminaries  as  should  secure  for  them  the 
stability  and  the  peculiar  advantages  enjoyed  by  colleges. 
That  view  commended  itself  very  strongly,  and  as  here 
seemed  to  be  an  opportunity  for  carrying  it  into  execution, 
the  resolution  was  taken  to  embrace  it. 

During  the  tour  above  mentioned,  the  female  semina- 
ries at  Rochester,  Auburn,  Clinton,  and  Albany,  in  the 


15 

State  of  New  York,  at  Northampton  and  Ipswich,  Mass., 
at  Castle  ton  and  Middlebury,  Yt.,  and  at  other  points  were 
visited.  Mount  Holyoke  Female  Seminary,  at  South 
Hadley,  was  then  in  the  process  of  erection,  and  Miss 
Lyon,  its  originator,  was  at  work  with  all  the  zeal  that 
could  inspire  a  strong  and  earnest  and  benevolent  mind  in 
a  noble  enterprise.  The  larger  portion  of  several  days 
was  devoted  to  a  discussion  with  her  of  the  whole  subject 
of  female  education. 

Considerable  time  was  also  spent  at  Ipswich  Female 
Seminary,  of  which  Miss  Z.  P.  Grant  (now  Mrs.  Banister*) 
was  then  Principal.  She  was  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the 
modern  movement  in  respect  to  female  education.  Miss 
Lyon  was  an  assistant  teacher  in  her  school  at  Derry,  U. 
H.,  and  afterwards  an  associate  with  her  at  Ipswich.  The 
plan  adopted  by  Miss  Lyon,  in  its  main  features,  was  car- 
ried out  at  Derry  and  at  Ipswich,  but  at  South  Hadley  alone 
the  requisite  means  were  secured  for  its  full  development. 
The  visit  at  Ipswich  was  employed  in  visiting  the  school, 
and  in  discussing  plans  and  principles  of  education  with 
Miss  Grant.  Possessing  as  she  did  great  vigor  of  mind, 
strong  common  sense,  coolness  of  judgment,  and  yet  ardor 
in  this  work  which  never  abated,  and  having  large  expe- 
rience, her  counsel  was  regarded  as  of  great  value. 

The  principal  questions  which  came  up  in  all  these 
discussions  had  relation  to  the  extent  to  which  domestic 
duties  could  be  successfully  introduced — the  proper  scope 
and  thoroughness  of  a  system  of  instruction — the  branches 
of  study  it  should  embrace — the  number  of  years  it  should 
occupy — the  extent  to  which  ornamental  branches  should 

*  After  the  discontinuance  of  Ipswich  Female  Seminary,  Mrs.  Banister 
very  generously  made  a  donation  to  this  Institution  of  the  library  and  appa- 
ratus which  she  had  accumulated  at  that  place,  and  also  made  over  a  fund  of 
$753  50,  which  had  been  employed  at  Ipswich  in  the  way  of  loans  to  those 
who  were  preparing  themselves  for  the  business  of  teaching.  The  fund  is  here 
used  for  the  same  purpose. 


16 

be  introduced  and  encouraged — the  religious  influence 
that  should  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it  in  every  stage,  to- 
gether with  the  division  of  labor  and  responsibility  best 
adapted  to  secure  its  high  ends. 

As  the  providence  of  God  had  thrown  the  speaker  into 
a  field  of  labor  somewhat  peculiar,  and  at  the  time  full  of 
interest,  the  proposal  of  the  founder  would  have  been  at 
once  rejected,  had  an  entire  withdrawal  from  that  field 
been  regarded  as  essential  to  secure  the  existence  of 
the  Institution.  But,  in  order  to  be  left  at  liberty  to  pro- 
mote general  education  through  the  State,  it  would  be  ne- 
cessary to  have  some  female  teacher  who  should  act  as  Prin- 
cipal, and  become  more  immediately  responsible  for  the 
management  and  the  character  of  the  Institution.  Conse- 
quently, through  correspondence  held  with  the  Rev.  T.  H. 
Gallaudet,  Miss  Mary  Cone,  of  "Warren,  Ohio,  who  was 
educated  at  Ipswich  Female  Seminary,  and  at  that  time 
a  teacher  in  that  Institution,  at  an  early  day  was  chosen 
first  Principal. 

As  investigations  advanced,  however,  in  the  progress 
of  the  Eastern  tour  above  described,  increasing  interest  in 
the  enterprise  was  awakened — a  wider  view  of  it  obtained 
as  a  field  of  usefulness,  and  especially  an  unwillingness 
created  to  assume  such  a  measure  of  responsibility  as 
would  be  involved — without  a  more  direct  agency  in 
shaping  and  controlling  the  influences  upon  which  it  de- 
pended. Moreover,  it  seemed  obvious  from  these  same 
investigations,  that  existing  systems  were  generally  defec- 
tive, and  that  a  better  could  be  constructed — a  system 
which  should  embrace,  in  proper  plaoe  and  proportion,  the 
masculine  element,  while  the  main  work  of  instruction 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  females.  Besides,  this  locality 
had  its  peculiarities,  which,  for  the  time  being  at  least, 
demanded  some  special  arrangements,  whatever  might  be 
true  of  general  principles. 

At  this  point,  the  whole  case  was  fully  and  freely  com- 


17 

municated  to  tlie  Principal  elect,  and  her  opinion  asked. 
She  promptly  and  strongly  expressed  her  approbation,  and 
also  her  decided  preference  of  a  Department  in  the  sug- 
gested system  to  the  position  to  which  she  had  been  cho- 
sen. The  general  system  upon  which  the  Institution  was 
finally  started,  was  at  once  decided  upon. 

The  question  how  far  the  performance  of  domestic  du- 
ties should  be  made  obligatory  upon  the  members  of  the 
Institution,  was  one  which  yielded  to  no  other  in  difficulty. 
Inquiries  and  discussions  on  this  subject  were  accordingly 
pushed  to  the  last  extent,  especially  in  the  visit  to  South 
Hadley.  The  numerous  points  and  bearings  then  brought 
under  consideration — with  reasons  for  and  against — cannot 
be  here  exhibited.  This  was  justly  considered  by  the 
founder  as  a  matter  of  very  deep  interest.  The  Seminary 
was  expressly  founded  as  a  place  where  "  females,  with  the 
blessing  of  God,  could  be  prepared  to  discharge  their  nu- 
merous, arduous,  and  responsible  duties."  But  to  educate 
them  for  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  life  and  yet  ignore 
all  acquaintance  with  domestic  duties,  would  be  like  train- 
ing mariners  for  service  on  board  of  some  phantom  ship. 
The  idea,  however,  of  giving  instruction  in  domestic 
duties  at  the  Seminary  was  rejected.  These  duties  must 
be  practised  there,  but  the  place  of  instruction  was  the 
family.  The  pupils  were  required  to  do  their  own  wash- 
ing and  ironing,  take  the  entire  care  of  their  own  rooms, 
and  such  public  rooms  as  were  devoted  to  their  use,  and 
also  take  their  turns  in  setting  tables.*  In  order  to  carry 
out  successfully  this  department  of  the  Institution,  the  ser- 
vices of  Mrs.  Miriam  Stoddard,  then  of  Yermont,  were  ob- 
tained. 

The  Institution  was  to  have  been  opened  in  the  fall  of 

*  The  requirement  in  respect  to  washing  has  since  heen  modified.  A 
limited  number  of  pupils  each  year  have  been  allowed  the  privilege  of  defray- 
ing the  expense  of  board,  in  whole  or  in  part,  by  extra  services  ;  and  in  this 
class  are  to  be  found  many  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  Institution. 

2 


18         .   '  :■. 

1837,  but,  in  consequence  of  the  unfinished  state  of  the 
building,  it  was  delayed  till  the  following  Spring.  In  an- 
ticipation, however,  of  the  event,  the  Principal  removed 
his  family  to  Monticello.  They  left  Jacksonville  on  the 
15th  of  November,  1837,  and  arrived  at  the  Seminary 
the  following  day,  and  dined  in  a  "  shantee  "  under  the 
hickory  tree  in  front  of  the  building.  Miss  Cone  also  came 
on  from  Ohio. 


THE   PRESENT    PRINCIPAL. 

But,  in  order  to  complete  our  view  of  providences,  in- 
fluences, and  agencies  concerned  in  the  establishment  of 
the  Institution,  it  is  only  necessary  to  state  some  of  the  cir- 
cumstances which  led  to  the  connection  of  the  present 
Principal  with  it — who  had  for  some  years  been  employed 
as  a  teacher  in  Miss  Seward's  Seminary  at  Rochester,  N. 
Y.  Some  months  previous  to  the  tour  of  investigation  al- 
ready described,  a  severe  attack  of  inflammatory  fever  had 
thrown  the  speaker  into  the  family  of  Mr.  Philander 
Fobes,  near  Jerseyville.  While  sharing  the  hospitality 
of  that  Christian  household,  the  projected  Seminary  be- 
came a  frequent  topic  of  conversation,  and  the  now  sainted 
mother  of  that  family,  whose  heart  was  in  the  liveliest 
sympathy  Avith  every  thing  that  stood  connected  with  the 
prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  entered  into  the 
scheme  with  especial  ardor.  Then  and  afterwards  she 
frequently  gave  expression  to  her  fervent  desires  that  the 
Institution  might  be  a  place  where,  above  all  things, 
Christ  should  be  honored  and  souls  converted,  and  while 
life  lasted  she  bore  it  perpetually  on  her  heart  before  the 
Throne  of  Grace. 

This  brief  sojourn  in  that  family  led  to  the  visit  to  Ro- 
chester, above  named,  and  the  subsequent  application  to 
the  present  Principal,  (Miss  Philena  Fobes)  to  fill  a  depart- 


v  ■       •        19 

ment  in  the  Institution.  This  invitation  was  accepted, 
after  personal  inspection  here  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 

Frequent  interviews  were  held  during  the  winter  be- 
tween the  Principal  and  the  two  teachers  thus  engaged, 
which  were  devoted  to  the  settlement  of  the  course  of  in- 
struction, text  books,  and  general  arrangements.  One  of 
the  many  questions  as  to  the  course  of  instruction  was, 
whether  it  should  embrace  at  the  outset  four  or  only  three 
years.  The  opinions  of  distinguished  educators  in  the  State 
were  obtained  on  this  point,  and  the  final  decision  was  in 
favor  of  three  years.     It  has  since  been  extended  to  four. 

The  Seminary  building  was  so  far  completed,  that, 
during  the  winter,  religious  services  were  regularly  held 
on  the  Sabbath  by  the  Principal  in  the  dining  hall.  In 
the  same  place,  the  Institution  was  opened  for  instruction 
on  the  11th  of  April,  1838.  There  were  present  the  Prin- 
cipal and  his  wife,  Miss  Fobes  and  Miss  Cone,  teachers, 
and  Mr.  Enoch  Long  and  wife,  then  of  Upper  Alton. 
After  remarks  adapted  to  the  occasion,  the  school  was 
opened  with  prayer.  There  were  sixteen  pupils  present. 
And  then  this  noble  fountain  commenced  its  flow.  The 
Church  was  organized  during  the  following  year. 

The  novelty  of  the  enterprise,  the  scale  upon  which 
preparations  had  been  made,  the  character  of  the  Semi- 
nary building,  with  its  appurtenances,  noble  in  itself,  but 
heightened  by  contrast  with  the  wildness  of  the  immediate- 
ly surrounding  region,  all  tended  to  awaken  a  high  degree 
of  interest  in  the  community.  The  passing  traveller  gazed 
with  wonder,  and  the  grounds  and  buildings  were  honored 
by  numerous  and  delighted  visitors. 


* 


*  One  honest  citizen  from  the  interior,  on  his  way  to  market,  ignorant  of 
the  fact  that  it  was  all  a  work  of  benevolence,  was  shown  through  the  various, 
and,  to  him,  splendid  apartments.  From  point  to  point  he  gave  full  expression 
to  his  surprise  and  pleasure,  and  when  all  was  finished,  he  said,  with  peculiar 

emphasis, — "  Well,  I  reckon,  Capt.  G must  make  a  heap  of  money  by 

this." 


20 

For  some  two  years,  the  Institution  was  conducted 
without  any  Board  of  Trustees,  as  the  buildings  and 
grounds  were  as  yet  the  private  property  of  the  founder, 
tip  to  this  time  he  had  expended  some  $45,000.  This 
amount  was  afterwards  increased  to  $53,000.  From 
the  first  it  was  designed  to  be  a  permanent  Institution. 
Sufficient  evidence  of  this  can  be  found  in  yonder  massive 
walls.  The  temporary  existence,  so  common  to  Protestant 
female  seminaries  in  this  country,  was  deplored.  It  was 
regarded  as  a  point  where  Catholics  had  immensely  the 
advantage — their  female  seminaries  being  parts  of  an  inde- 
structible system,  as  truly  so  as  their  churches,  while  Pro- 
testant institutions  often,  like  Jonah's  gourd,  came  up  in  a 
night  and  perished  in  a  night.  In  this  respect,  Protestants 
seemed  like  the  merchant  whose  shelves  should  be  empty 
for  six  months  in  the  year,  and  who  would  be  certain  to 
send  his  customers  to  his  more  shrewd  neighbors,  whose 
ample  stock 'should  invite  customers  at  all  seasons.  The 
following  principles  were  at  the  outset  fixed  upon  as  fun- 
damental to  the  proposed  system,  viz.  : 

1.  That  it  should  be  based  upon  the  great  principles  of 
religion.  It  was  considered  but  mockery  to  call  that  edu- 
cation which  keeps  out  of  sight  the  relations  of  man  to  his 
Creator  and  the  future  world,  inasmuch  as  it  utterly  fails 

*  The  following  description  of  the  original  buildings  and  gronnds  was 
published  at  the  time : 

"  Mr.  Godfrey  then,  at  an  expense  of  some  forty-five  thousand  dollars,  erect- 
ed and  furnished  a  building  of  stone,  110  by  44  feet,  and  three  stories  high,  over 
a  basement.  The  two  upper  stories  together  contain  40  rooms,  9  or  10  by  1G.V 
feet,  including  a  convenient  clothes  press,  and  each  designed  to  accommodate 
two  young  ladies.  The  second  story  is  divided  into  school-room,  and  recita- 
tion and  family  rooms.     The  basement  into  kitchen,  dining  hall  and  chapel. 

"  The  Seminary  grounds  consist  of  about  eight  acres,  neatly  enclosed,  with 
the  buildings  in  the  centre.  This  affords  room  for  a  spacious  yard  in  front, 
and  a  garden  in  the  rear.  The  design  was  to  construct  the  buildings  and  lay 
out  and  enclose  the  grounds  in  such  a  way  as  to  encourage  habits  of  neatness  and 
order,  and  make  all  the  associations  connected  with  education  agreeable." 


21 

of  its  high  and  appropriate  ends,  unless"  it  has  reference  to 
the  w hole  of  being. 

2.  That  the  education  furnished  should  be  substantial, 
extensive,  and  practical.  In  other  words,  that  it  should 
develop  harmoniously  the  physical,  the  intellectual,  and 
the  moral  powers — and  prepare  its  subjects,  not  for  an 
imaginary  state  of  existence — but  for  the  sober  realities 
and  duties  of  actual  life. 

3.  That  it  should  be  an  endowed  Institution.  In  or- 
der (1)  That  there  might  be  given  to  it  the  same  stability 
and  prolonged  existence  which  characterize  Colleges.  (2) 
That  it  might  be  furnished  with  a  library,  philosophical 
and  chemical  apparatus,  and  such  other  facilities  for  the 
business  of  instruction  as  are  deemed  indispensable  appen- 
dages to  institutions  of  a  high  order  for  the  education  of 
young  men.  (3)  That  it  might,  to  a  proper  extent,  be  in- 
dependent of  a  fickle  public  sentiment.  (4)  That  the 
means  might  exist  of  securing  a  corps  of  experienced  and 
competent  teachers,  so  that  neither  the  existence  nor  pros- 
perity of  the  Institution  should  at  any  one  time  depend 
upon  the  life,  health,  or  presence  of  an  individual.  The 
loss  of  either  of  these  in  the  case  of  a  single  female  often- 
times speedily  obliterates  all  traces  of  a  flourishing  and 
useful  institution.  (5)  That  such  a  division  of  labor  might 
be  secured  that  an  extended  and  substantial  course  of 
study  could  be  ably  taught,  and  the  Institution  thus  be 
made  worthy  of  extensive  patronage.  (G)  That  the  ad- 
vantages of  such  a  course  might  be  afforded  on  a  scale  of 
expense  so  reduced  as  to  bring  them  within  the  reach  of 
the  mass  of  community  and  even  of  the  indigent. 

But,  as  no  one  could  be  asked  to  place  the  needed  en- 
dowments on  a  private  foundation,  the  founder  committed 
all  the  grounds,  buildings,  and  appurtenances  to  a  Board 
of  Trustees  in  trust,  to  be  used  in  perpetuity  for  the  pur- 
poses of  female  education,  and  the  following  extracts  from 
the  deed  of  trust,  show  some  of  the  principles  and  condi- 
tions of  that  trust,  viz. : 


22 


PRINCIPLES. 

"  That,  inasmuch  as  the  soul  is  immortal,  the  end  of  all  true  educa- 
tion should  evidently  be  fully  to  develop  the  powers  of  man,  both 
physical  and  mental,  and  fit  him  for  enjoyment,  and  for  the  discharge 
of  his  duty  in  all  stages  of  his  existence. 

"  That,  in  order  to  do  this,  it  is  essential  that  he  should  truly 
know,  and  love  and  serve  God  as  revealed  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments,  and  that  the  only  obstacle  to  this  lies  in  the 
alienation  of  his  heart  from  God,  and  in  its  entire  depravity,  and  that 
his  salvation  can  only  be  secured  through  the  atonement  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  regenerating  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  the 
three  several  persons  who  co-operate  in  effecting  this  salvation,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  are  the  one  only  and  true  God, 
and  that  all  truth,  whether  emanating  from  the  works,  the  providence, 
or  the  word  of  God,  should  be  so  taught,  as  to  co-operate  with  him  in 
his  great  end,  the  sanctification  and  the  salvation  of  the  soul. 

CONDITIONS. 

First — That  both  Principal  and  teachers  be  required  to  shape  their 
instructions  in  accordance  with  the  above  principles,  and  that  no  pu- 
pils be  received  into  the  Institution  unless  they  are  willing  to  be  so 
taught. 

Seventh — That  the  inculcation  of  doctrines  and  the  discussion  of 
all  subjects,  with  the  introduction  of  habits  and  principles  that  are 
not  in  strict  accordance  with  the  pure  principles  of  the  Gospel  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  or  that  shall,  in  any  possible  way,  tend 
to  defeat  the  end  for  which  the  Institution  was  established,  be  inadmis- 
sible forever  within  its  walls." 

Here,  the  end  of  all  true  education  is  declared  to  be 
the  full  development  of  the  physical  and  mental  powers, 
and  the  preparation  of  man  for  enjoyment  and  for  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duty  in  all  stages  of  his  existence.  But,  in 
order  to  do  this,  he  must  truly  know,  and  love  and  serve 
God.  Hence  all  truth  should  be  so  taught  as  to  co-operate 
with  God  in  his  great  end,  the  sanctification  and  the  salva- 
tion of  the  soul  through  the  atonement  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Here  are  no  specifications  as  to  the  course  of  study — its 


23 

length — the  branches  that  shall  compose  it — or  the  methods 
of  teaching.  All  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  conductors 
of  the  Institution.  So  of  other  and  numerous  points.  But 
the  great  and  leading  ends  above  specified,  and  for  which 
the  Institution  was  founded,  are  not  left  discretionary.  The 
way  marks  are  set  up  for  each  and  every  teacher.  They 
are  bound  by  the  conditions  of  their  office  to  hold  the  In- 
stitution true  to  those  ends — ends,  too,  which,  in  import- 
ance, rise  immeasurably  above  all  others.  Set  up  any 
other  end  inconsistent  with  these,  and  there  is  not  only 
conflict  with  the  deed  of  trust,  but  a  prostration  of  the 
highest  and  noblest  of  all  that  can  be  aimed  at  or  achieved 
in  an  enterprise  like  this. 

Let  it  be  particularly  noticed  here  that  this  deed  of 
trust  very  wisely  avoids  needless  and  embarrassing  speci- 
fications in  respect  to  these  great  points.  All  that  is  un- 
changeable is  based  upon  the  immutable  word  of  God. 
The  Institution  is  committed  to  no  particular  class  in  soci- 
ety— to  no  specified  line  of  descent — to  no  organization, 
political  or  ecclesiastical — things  pre-eminently  mutable 
— it  is  not  so  bound  up  as  to  destroy  its  power  of  adapta- 
tion to  inevitable  changes  in  human  society.  The  falli- 
bility of  man,  and  the  very  limited  range  of  the  most  sa- 
gacious of  finite  minds,  are  assumed. 

Monticello  Seminary  has  now  been  in  operation  for 
more  than  seventeen  years.  Xo  detailed  or  connected 
history  of  that  period  will  be  attempted.  A  few  general 
facts  only  can  be  given.  At  an  early  day  the  number  of 
Teachers  was  increased  till  a  full  Board  of  Instruction  was 
organized.  The  first  Catalogue  was  published  in  1840, 
embracing  two  years.  The  total  number  of  pupils  con- 
nected with  the  Institution  during  the  first  year,  ending 
in  1839,  was  57  ;  and  101  during  the  year  ending  1S10. 
At  the  close  of  this  year  a  regular  classification  was  made, 
and  three  individuals  admitted  to  the  Senior  Class  ;  nine 
to  the  Middle  Class  ;  and  thirty-four  to  the  Junior  Class. 


At  the  close  of  the  second  year,  according  to  this  Cata- 
logue, the  Institution  was  officered  thus,  viz.  : — 


Eev.  TIIERON  BALDWIN,  Principal. 

Miss  PI.  M.  Sturtevant,  Governess  and  Lecturer  on 
Habits  and  the  First  Principles  of  Morals 
and  Pellcjlon. 

Miss  Philena  Fobes,  Teacher  of  Rhetoric  and  of 
Moral  and  Intellectual  Philosophy. 

Miss  Mart  Cone,  Teacher  of  History  and  Moral 
Science. 

Miss  Rebecca  B.  Long,  Teacher  of  Mathematics 
and  Natural  Philosophy. 

Miss  Elizabeth  W.  Turner,  Teacher  of  Vocal  and 
Instrumented  Music. 

Miss  Sarah  A.  Norton,  Monitress. 

Mrs.  Miriam  Stoddard,  Superintendent  of  Board- 
ing Department. 

As  to  methods  of  instruction — each  Teacher  was  inde- 
pendent in  her  own  Department ;  and  sustained,  to  her 
associates  and  the  Institution,  relations  similar  to  those 
of  a  Professor  in  our  colleges.  The  Principal,  with  his 
family,  resided  in  the  Seminary  building  ;  conducted  reli- 
gious exercises  ;  as  Pastor  of  the  Church,  preached  on  the 
Sabbath,  in  the  Chapel ;  shared  with  the  Teachers  in  the 
government  of  the  School,  also  in  deciding  upon  the  course 
of  study,  text-books,  etc.  The  family  aspect,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, was  given  to  the  Institution,  and  Mrs.  Baldwin  de- 
voted a  large  portion  of  her  time  to  its  general  interests, 
having  a  special  reference  to  the  wants  of  pupils  "  whose 
means  were  limited." 

Miss  Turner  and  Miss  Norton,  for  some  years,  have 


25 

been  numbered  with  the  dead.*  The  present  Principal 
is  the  only  one,  among  that  original  number,  still  con- 
nected with  the  Institution — from  the  first,  sharing  in  all 
its  hopes  and  fears  ;  concerned  in  all  its  plans  ;  for  more 
than  ten  years,  its  head  ;  and,  through  its  whole  history, 
bringing  the  combined  power  of  intellect,  heart,  taste,  and 
executive  energy,  to  bear  on  its  great  interests — an  end 
worthy  of  the  best  powers  and  nobly  fulfilled,  and  making 
sure  the  reward  consequent  upon  toil  and  sacrifice  that 
look  beyond  self  and  time. 

It  would  be  a  grateful  task  here,  to  complete  the  list  of 
those  who  have  been  concerned  in  the  instruction  or  man- 
agement of  the  Institution ;  and  who  in  their  various  spheres 
contributed  so  much  to  its  success  ;  but  this  would  altoge- 
ther transcend  the  limits  assigned  to  this  Address ;  and,  be- 
sides, a  period  yet  future  would  be  a  more  fitting  occasion. 
In  consequence  of  a  call  to  another  sphere  of  labor,  the  active 
duties  of  the  First  Principal  terminated  here  in  the  month 
of  November,  1843  ;  although,  in  the  hope  of  being  able 
again  to  resume  those  duties,  his  resignation  was  deferred 
till  February,  1815.  Soon  after,  the  present  Principal  was 
chosen.  So  far  as  the  past  is  concerned,  we  can,  on  the 
present  occasion,  gather  up  a  few  only  of  general  results  ; 
but  these  will  show,  in  some  measure,  the  greatness  of  the 
work  already  accomplished.  The  whole  number  of  pupils 
connected  with  the  Institution,  from  the  first,  is  1037.  Of 
these,  50  have  completed  the  full  course  of  study,  and  200 
have  gone  out  as  Teachers  ;  and  we  should,  probably,  be 
within  the  truth  in  the  statement,  that  not  less  than  100, 
while  connected  with  the  Institution,  have  become  the 
hopeful  subjects  of  renewing  grace.  So  far  as  any  thing 
is  known  to  the  contrary,  not  far  from  1,000  of  these  pu- 
pils are  still  in  the  land  of  the  living.  They  are  scattered 
abroad,  everywhere,  and  their  influence  felt  in  the  home 

*  Mrs.  Stoddard  has  since  deceased. 


26 

circle  and  that  of  early  associates;  in  the  neighborhood; 
in  the  school-room ;  and  over  the  whole  surface  of  society. 
Large  numbers  are  already  at  the  head  of  families ;  and 
there,  or  elsewhere,  they  occupy  the  highest  seats  of  influ- 
ence ;  bringing,  we  trust,  as  a  class,  the  combined  power 
of  cultivated  intellect,  refined  manners,  correct  taste,  deep 
sympathy  with  whatever  is  pure  and  gentle  and  elevating, 
to  bear  on  the  highest  interests  of  the  race.  Society  has 
been  touched  at  a  thousand  susceptible  points— a  thou- 
sand cultivated  minds  already  thrown  back  into  as  many 
clusters  of  mind,  there  to  act  as  a  living  power,  tending  to 
raise  all  around  to  their  own  level.  This  reflex  influence 
constitutes  one  of  the  most  precious  results  consequent 
upon  the  establishment  of  Institutions  here  amongst  the 
people  of  the  West,  in  the  midst  of  the  society  that  is  to 
be  moulded.  Two  hundred  teachers  have  already  been 
trained  who  have  given  themselves  more  or  less  to  the 
work  of  training  others — opening  here  and  there  other 
fountains  whose  rills  may  mingle,  rill  with  rill,  and  thus 
swell  the  great  stream  as  it  moves  onward. 

But  this  is  not  all.  An  influence  has  gone  forth  from 
this  consecrated  spot ;  that  has  been  felt  far  and  wide  over 
these  new  and  rising  States  in  awakening  attention  to 
Female  Education — elevating  its  standard,  and  prompt- 
ing to  similar  efforts.  The  early  day  at  which  this  enter- 
prise was  undertaken — the  scope  of  the  plans  here  formed 
— the  scale  of  preparations  for  the  work  of  instruction  where 
nature  was  yet  in  her  wildness,  and  where  the  very  idea 
of  gathering  a  company  of  youth,  and  carrying  out  an 
elevated  course  of  study,  might  seem  preposterous — all 
combined  to  strike  the  public  mind  with  great  force. 
Yonder  noble  structure,  as  it  stood  in  singular  contrast 
with  the  surrounding  wilds,  spoke  eloquently  to  the  pass- 
ing traveller  of  the  appreciation,  which  some  had  of  mind 
and  its  proper  cultivation — even  here  in  a  country  where 
material  interests  bore  such  complete  §way — and  thus  day 


27 

by  day  the  great  argument  was  carried  home  with  a  silent, 
but  moving  power. 

THE   PRESENT. 

But  we  can  no  longer  dwell  upon  the  past.  And  what 
shall  we  say  in  respect  to  the  present  of  Monticello  Semi- 
nary ?  What  need  we  say  ?  It  is  here  all  around  us,  and 
visible — it  is  in  those  "beautiful  grounds,  that  noble  and 
permanent  structure,  in  those  accommodations  and  equip- 
ments for  the  work  of  instruction — in  this  neat  and  tasteful 
Church  edifice — in  this  interesting  group  of  youth — in  their 
acquisitions  and  varied  developments  of  intellectual  power 
— in  this  corps  of  able  and  faithful  Teachers,  in  the  con- 
ductors and  Trustees — in  this  large  and  interested  au- 
dience, in  a  favoring  and  wide-spread  public  sentiment — ■ 
in  the  life  and  vigor  of  the  Institution — all  going  to  show 
that  obstacles  have  been  overcome,  the  experiment 
wrought  fully  out,  and  success  achieved.  The  past,  in- 
deed, all  gathers  round,  and  becomes  the  present,  and 
furnishes  a  basis  of  anticipation  for  coming  years. 

THE   FUTTJEE. 

The  future,  however,  will  depend  upon  Providences,  in- 
fluences and  agencies,  like  those  which  have  distinguished 
and  made  the  past.  Broad  and  far-reaching  plans — wis- 
dom in  the  adaptation  of  means  to  ends — unselfish  devo- 
tion to  these  high  and  sacred  interests  on  the  part  of 
Trustees,  conductors  and  friends — intellectual  ability, 
practical  wisdom,  executive  energy  and  skill  in  instruc- 
tion, all  animated  by  a  noble  enthusiasm ;  but  above  all, 
the  blessing  of  Him  without  whose  favor  every  good  en- 
terprise will  come  to  naught. 

And  I  may 'stop  here  to  say,  that,  notwithstanding 
all  the  prosperity  ki  which  we  now  rejoice,  the  Institution 


28 

lias  wants,  great  and  pressing.  In  order  fully  to  accom- 
plish its  high  mission,  it  needs  greatly  increased  facilities. 
The  rush  for  places,  and  the  disappointed  expectations  on 
the  part  of  such  large  numbers  of  applicants,  shows  the 
necessity  of  enlarged  accommodations  for  pupils.  More 
ample  rooms  are  also  needed  for  Library  and  Cabinet.  Ap- 
paratus for  school  and  various  other  uses,  as  well  as  ad- 
ditions, more  or  less,  to  the  Library,  and  all  other  appliances 
for  the  work  of  instruction.  These,  it  must  have,  if  it 
would  meet  the  demands  of  the  age,  or  hold  its  advanced 
position  among  similar  Institutions,  and  those  started, 
perhaps,  through  impulses  created  by  itself. 

There  are  only  two  ways  in  which  this  can  be  done, 
viz : — either  1.  By  continuing  to  increase  the  expenses, 
so  that  the  Trustees  can  provide  for  all  these  wants  out  of 
the  regular  income.  Or  2.  By  endowments  that  will 
enable  the  Institution  to  furnish  all  the  required  accommo- 
dations and  facilities,  and  also  maintain  an  able  corps  of 
teachers,  and  carry  out  an  elevated  and  thorough  course 
of  instruction  on  a  scale  of  expense  so  reduced  as  to  bring 
the  advantages  of  the  Institution  within  the  reach,  even 
of  the  indigent.  It  has  been  the  cherished  design  of  the 
Institution,  from  its  very  inception,  to  do  here  for  young 
ladies  what  has  been  done  for  young  men  in  our  Colleges 
on  so  vast  a  scale  in  the  whole  history  of  this  country.  It 
hardly  need  be  said  that,  just  in  proportion  as  the  expenses 
are  increased,  the  advantages  of  the  Institution  are  thrown 
beyond  the  reach  of  the  very  class  for  whose  benefit  it 
was  especially  designed.  This  vast  outlay  was  not 
needed,  in  order  to  enable  the  wealthy  to  educate  their 
daughters. 

Very  likely  there  are  not  a  few  now  here  whose  ex- 
penses at  home  would  exceed  the  entire  cost  of  attendance 
at  school,  even  if  the  present  rate  of  charges  was  greatly 
increased.  It  was  no  part  of  the  design  of  the  Institu- 
tion, however,  to  exclude  this  class.     Here,  as  in  our  Col- 


29 

leges,  the  rich  and  the  poor  were  to  meet  together,  and 
mind  and  moral  worth  constitute  the  true  nobility. 

Efforts  were  made  at  an  early  day,  and  with  encour- 
aging success,  to  secure  endowments,  but  these  were 
altogether  inadequate,  and  it  became  a  matter  of  stern 
necessity  to  increase  expenses  to  present  rates.  And 
these  rates  might  be  maintained,  or  even  increased,  pro- 
vided only  that  endowments,  in  the  shape  of  Permanent 
Scholarships  or  otherwise,  could  be  secured  to  such  an  ex- 
tent, that  their  avails  from  year  to  year  would  make  up 
all  deficiencies  created  by -the  inability  of  any  number  of 
individuals  to  meet  the  entire  charges. 

In  consequence  of  those  reverses,  so  frequent  in  all 
human  enterprises,  the  founder  is  at  present  unable  to  act 
in  accordance  with  the  impulses  of  his  heart,  to  make  all 
needed  provisions  for  the  enlargement  and  future  success 
of  the  Institution.  It  would,  therefore,  seem  to  be  the 
design  of  an  all-wise  Providence  that  others  should  share 
with  him  in  the  blessed  privilege  of  carrying  out  this 
noble  work.  Institutions  founded  for  great  public  pur- 
poses seem  to  rise  in  dignity  and  interest  above  all  that  can 
be  true  of  mere  private  enterprises,  however  benevolent 
and  praiseworthy  their  ends.  And  here  I  wish  to  make 
a  suggestion  i0  those  who  have  been  educated  at  this  Se- 
urinary,  whether  now  present  or  absent.  In  respect  to 
the  older  Colleges  in  our  country,  their  main  reliance  for 
those  munificent  provisions  which  are  necessary  from 
year  to  year,  and  age  to  age,  in  order  that  they  may  ful- 
fil their  high  mission,  is  upon  their  Alumni.  Asso- 
ciations of  these  are  formed  ;  and,  though  the  language 
may  seem  somewhat  paradoxical,  they  adopt  their  Alma 
Mater. 

"Why  should  not  the  same  be  done  here  ?  Let  the  one 
thousand  who  have  already  received  the  advantages  of 
the  Institution  follow  this  example.  Many  have  already 
extensive  means  at  their  disposal.     Others   are    passing 


30 

rapidly  into  positions  where  they  will  be  able  to  command 
means,  and  all  will  have  wide  influence.  Let,  then,  a  ju- 
dicious plan  be  formed,  and  this  work  entered  upon  with 
that  practical  efficiency  so  peculiar  to  woman,  and  it  will 
be  completely  in  the  power  of  those  educated  here  to  ac- 
complish for  the  daughters  of  this  land,  who  shall  come 
after  them,  one  of  the  noblest  works  ever  achieved.  The 
example  too  would  be  sure  to  be  imitated  elsewhere.  It 
would,  therefore,  seem  to  be  in  the  power  of  those  who 
have  received  their  training  at  Monticello  Seminary 
to  take  the  lead  in  a  grand  movement,  which  jperhajps  fur- 
nishes the  only  solution  of  the  problem,  how  adequate 
provisions  can  be  made  for  the  education  of  woman. 

I  will  conclude  this  already  protracted  address  by  ad- 
verting briefly  to  some  additional  considerations,  calcu- 
lated to  place  the  importance  of  an  enterprise  like  this  in 
its  true  light. 

There  is  in  the  human  mind,  not  only  an  instinctive 
dread  of  annihilation,  but  a  strong  and  universal  desire 
for  prolonged  existence,  even  on  earth.  This  desire  in- 
deed is  never  overcome,  except  where  the  soul  rises  into 
the  heights  of  Christian  joy,  and  has  such  views  of  heaven 
as  to  be  irresistibly  drawn  thitherward,  or  it  sinks  under 
such  a  load  of  calamity  and  sorrow  as  makes  life  a  burden. 
But  no  strength  of  desire  to  the  contrary  can  make  this 
any  other  than  a  mortal  state.  There  can,  therefore,  be 
no  hope  of  any  thing  like  real  immortality  on  earth. 

Still  the  night  of  death  does  not  necessarily  and  abso- 
lutely shut  down  upon  existence.  After  the  sun  is  below 
the  horizon,  there  is  often  a  lingering  twilight.  Departed 
rays  may  stream  up  the  darkened  sky  with  an  effulgence 
which  they  never  had  by  day.  Men  may  live  in  their 
characters — in  their  example — in  the  productions  of  their 
minds,  or  in  deeds  performed.  We  speak,  for  example,  of 
the  immortal  Edwards — of  the  immortal  works  of  Shak- 
speare  or  of  Bunyan.     Many  an  individual,  though  dead, 


31 

yet  speaketh  with  a  power  unknown  in  life.  All  along  the 
track  of  history  can  be  found  those  who  are  thus  speaking. 
The  world  is  full  of  Institutions,  of  monuments,  material 
and  intellectual  and  moral,  and  of  memories  and  in- 
fluences left  by  those  whose  mortal  career  terminated 
long  ages  since.  Fox*  a  period,  therefore,  and  that  indefi- 
nitely long,  we  may  live  a  double  life — the  one  real  exist- 
ence stretching  on  in  eternity — the  other  a  life  of  in- 
fluence left  behind,  and  operating  upon  successive  genera- 
tions as  they  rise  upon  the  stage  and  pass  away. 

This  twofold  life  is  a  legitimate  object  of  intense  desire, 
not,  however,  for  simple  immortality,  whether  nobly  or 
ignobly  acquired,  like  the  wild  enthusiast  who  fired  the 
temple  of  Diana  that  posterity  might  know  and  remember 
that  he  once  lived,  but  a  desire  for  an  immortality  of 
blessed  influence — an  immortality  coincident  with  the 
high  and  true  ends  of  being. 

In  one  view  of  the  case,  there  is  something  inexpres- 
sibly sad  connected  with  the  extreme  brevity  of  existence 
on  earth.  We  see,  for  example,  an  individual  who  has 
reached  the  very  summit  of  earthly  attainment  by  achieve- 
ments in  science  or  other  developments  of  intellectual 
power,  or,  in  the  great  field  of  benevolent  action,  has  ap- 
parently just  acquired  the  fulness  of  his  strength  to  bless 
the  world — suddenly  cut  down — progression  arrested— that 
lofty  intellect  paralyzed — or  that  burning  soul,  stricken 
from  its  orbit,  and  consigned  to  the  darkness  of  the  grave  ! 
What  a  burial  of  some  of  the  fondest  hopes  indulged  for 
a  fallen  race  ! — what  a  clouding  of  some  of  the  brightest 
prospects  that  ever  beamed  on  a  darkened  world  ! 

But  then  how  is  this  view  of  the  case  relieved  by  the 
consideration  that  influence  does  not  end  with  life !  That 
noble  intellect  may  leave  as  a  legacy  to  posterity  its  sub- 
lime productions  for  the  instruction  of  mankind,  or  its 
contributions  to  science  or  general  knowledge,  so  that, 
when  that  great  light  is  extinguished  on  earth,  the  world 


32 

• 

shall  not  relapse  into  former  comparative  darkness,  but 
move  forward  in  a  permanent  progression. — That  noble 
Christian  hero,  whose  earthly  career  was  so  brief,  and  yet 
so  brilliant,  may  leave  behind  a  blaze  of  light  that  will 
illuminate  succeeding  generations.  Or  that  faithful  dis- 
ciple, who,  in  the  quiet  walks  of  life,  nobly  fulfilled  the 
ends  of  his  existence,  and  left  behind  the  savor  of  a  pious 
example,  is  not  dead  when  the  grave  closes  over  him. 
That  life,  Avhich  he  lived  by  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  was 
the  centre  from  which  there  went  out  a  silent,  unconscious 
influence  on  every  hand,  ramifying  and  stretching  away 
with  a  compass  and  a  power  never  perhaps  dreamed  of 
by  himself. 

But  no  method  of  perpetuating  influence  can  surpass, 
if  it  can  equal  this  of  opening  fountains  of  intellectual 
and  moral  power  that  shall  outlive  founders  and  teachers, 
and  flow  on  from  age  to  age,  and  do  their  noble  work,  it 
may  be  till  time  shall  be  no  longer.  This  will  secure  a 
"  double  life  "  that  will  add  immensely  to  the  interest  and 
the  glory  of  existence.  More  than  one  thousand  minds 
already  trained  here  !  How  soon  will  another  thousand 
be  added,  and  then  another,  and  another  !  Thus  the  great 
stream  of  blessed  influence  will  widen  and  deepen  till  lost 
in  the  ocean  of  eternity  ! 


Jm*<m 


